2024 NFL Mock Draft

The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine is over, free agency is around the corner, and we are in the stretch run headed for the NFL Draft! For this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, it will be what teams might end up doing on day one of the Draft – NOT what I would be doing if I were the General Manager. There’s a lot of info gathered from team/player meetings, medical checks, and the rumor mill to consider! Without further ado, here’s my 2024 NFL Mock Draft 2.0!

1. CHICAGO – Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Justin Fields hasn’t progressed as expected thus far, and will be due for a contract extension after this upcoming season if his fifth year option isn’t picked up. This is an opportunity to reset the quarterback salary cap hit, and build around a solid prospect.

2. WASHINGTON – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

I like Sam Howell, but he didn’t look like the long term answer at quarterback. New owner, general manager, coaching staff, offensive system, and quarterback to lead this new era in Washington football. There were some mixed reports about whether the team preferred Maye or Jayden Daniels, but the hot rumor post combine points to Maye being the current favorite.

3. NEW ENGLAND – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe have shown they are not the future at the quarterback position in New England. A trade down is possible if they add a veteran QB via free agency or trade, but rumors were swirling during the Combine that New England was interested in adding a quarterback at this spot.

4. ARIZONA – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Arizona can stay pat and take arguably the top player in this class. Harrison Jr. will slide right in as Kyler Murray’s top wideout. With Hollywood Brown headed for free agency, this would fill a huge need and also be a great example of going “best player available” (B.P.A).

5. LA CHARGERS – Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Brock Bowers and Joe Alt are solid options here, and would both fill needs, but Malik Nabers might be too good to pass up on. The Chargers need to clear up cap space, and oft-injured wide receiver Mike Williams could be released to free up over $20 million dollars. Keenan Allen is getting up there in age, and a free agent after this upcoming season.

6. NY GIANTS – Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

I keep seeing one of the top wide receivers being mocked to the Giants, and I don’t get it. Yes, this team needs a legit number one receiver, but the offensive line has been one of the worst in the NFL in recent seasons. The G-Men could add a solid receiver on day two and take arguably the best offensive tackle prospect in this class.

7. TENNESSEE – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Tennessee must absolutely address their porous offensive line, but giving Will Levis a legit WR1 should be a priority. If they pass on an offensive lineman, a trade down is possible, but it might be hard to pass on Rome Odunze. Odunze had an excellent performance at the Combine, and solidified his place in the top ten.

8. ATLANTA – Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

Adding a quarterback is at the top off the “needs” list, and there are whispers that Kirk Cousins could be heading to Atlanta in free agency. If the Falcons bring Cousins (or another veteran starter) in, they could use this pick to beef up their defense or trade down. Dallas Turner was one of the big winners at the Scouting Combine, and could be the first defender selected.

9. CHICAGO – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

This is a classic “best player available” (B.P.A.) selection. Yes, Chicago has Cole Kmet at tight end already, he had a good season, and just got a contract extension last off-season. Chicago also just selected their potential franchise quarterback first overall, and should continue to add talent around him. Kmet and Bowers could be a dynamic duo at tight end reminiscent of the Hernandez/Gronk days in New England.

10. NY JETS – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

This pick should be simple – add offensive line help for Aaron Rodgers. The issues along the offensive line for Gang Green are well documented. Injuries to key starters and bad play in general plagued the line last season. There may be as many as three new starters up front next season. Fuaga was great at the Combine, and can start at tackle or guard.

11. MINNESOTA – J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Minnesota seems like the favorite to trade up for a quarterback, but since this is a no-trade Mock Draft, they take J.J. McCarthy here. Kirk Cousins might leave in free agency, and McCarthy is a good fit in this offense. I wouldn’t take him this high, and the idea of trading up for him at this point seems insane to me. McCarthy being a possible top ten pick was a hot rumor coming out of the Combine.

12. DENVER – Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

If the Broncos opt to add a veteran quarterback and draft a developmental QB later in the Draft, then they could focus on other needs here. Denver has pass rush options on the roster, but no one currently on the roster is as good as Jared Verse. Verse’s explosiveness was on display at the Combine, and he could have success early in Denver.

13. LAS VEGAS – Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

The Raiders could go in a number of directions here, but they might jump at the chance to bolster their secondary. Terrion Arnold had an excellent Scouting Combine, interviewing well and showing out in the on-field work. Vegas badly needs an upgrade at cornerback and with no consensus CB1, Arnold could be the first one off the board.

14. NEW ORLEANS – Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Michael Thomas is due to be released, so wide receiver could be in play here. The offensive line needs to be addressed, however, as they have all kinds of issues up front. Andrus Peat is a free agent, Trevor Penning hasn’t played well at all, and Ryan Ramczyk only started 12 games due to injury. Fashanu needs some development, but could start immediately at left tackle.

15. INDIANAPOLIS – Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas

Indianapolis was one of the teams rumored to be very interested in Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy II coming out of the Combine. Murphy II is quick at the point of attack, and is an excellent interior pass rusher. Grover Stewart is also hitting free agency, and the depth is lacking inside.

16. SEATTLE – Troy Fautanu, OG, Washington

Although both took a step back this past season, Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas are the likely starters at offensive tackle. The interior of the line, however, badly needs to be shored up. Fautanu was a solid left tackle in college, but his lack of ideal length will likely push him inside in the pros.

17. JACKSONVILLE – Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

The Jaguars were going to need reinforcements in the secondary regardless, but releasing corner Darious Williams compounds the need. Jacksonville has said they intend on adding an athletic cornerback, and Quinyon Mitchell fits the bill. Mitchell had a great season for Toledo, and was one of the best players at the Senior Bowl. He had an excellent Combine as well and is pushing to be the CB1 of this class.

18. CINCINNATI – J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama

Cincinnati has tried to improve a bad offensive line over the past couple of off-seasons, but upgrades are still needed. Jonah Williams is a free agent, but he is replaceable. Latham struggles with footwork and agility, but has prototype size, length, and strength. He can start at right tackle immediately, and bump inside to guard in a pinch.

19. LA RAMS – Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

The Rams are a wild card here, as they can go in a number of directions, but the pass rush is a huge need. Byron Young has some potential, but neither he nor Michael Hoecht really stood out. Latu has injury questions to overcome, but he has pro ready pass rush moves and prototype size/length.

20. PITTSBURGH – Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Pittsburgh traded up and selected offensive tackle Broderick Jones in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. They also signed Isaac Seumalo as a free agent last off-season to start at guard. Those were good additions, but more help is needed up front. Amarius Mims needs development, but he showed off his athleticism at the Combine.

21. MIAMI – Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Miami could look to address the interior of their offensive line, as they have a few key players hitting free agency, but the release of Xavien Howard for cap space makes cornerback a top priority. Nate Wiggins is an elite athlete with ball skills and the size to match-up with any receiver.

22. PHILADELPHIA – Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Philadelphia badly needs to fix the secondary, as it was one of the worst in the NFL last season, but all the top cornerbacks are off the board. They could pivot and look to bolster a passing game that took a step back this past season. Though Thomas Jr. is a bit of a one year wonder, he is an athletic deep threat who would add needed depth behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

23. HOUSTON – Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois

Houston has several defensive tackles hitting free agency. The Texans could definitely use another quality piece on the defensive line, regardless. Jer’Zhan Newton would be an excellent running mate up front with Will Anderson Jr. Newton offers versatility, and displays excellent burst/pressure up the middle.

24. DALLAS – Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Tyron Smith is officially going to hit the free agent market, making left tackle a top need for Dallas. The offensive line has long been a strength, but the Cowboys dealt with injury issues at left tackle and guard. Tyler Guyton has prototype size and length to start at left tackle, and saw his stock rise at the Senior Bowl.

25. GREEN BAY – Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

The Packers have several key defensive backs with expiring contracts. There have also been whispers that Jaire Alexander could be a salary cap casualty. Either way, the team will need to restock the secondary. Cooper DeJean was a cornerback at Iowa, but he has the size and athleticism to play in the slot or safety.

26. TAMPA BAY – Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon

The Bucs might lose guard Aaron Stinnie in free agency, and center Ryan Jensen retired due to injury. Jackson Powers-Johnson has experience at both guard and center, and was dominant at the Senior Bowl. J.P.J. could replace Robert Hainsey at center, or start at guard for Stinnie. Powers-Johnson solidified his grade with a solid showing at the Scouting Combine.

27. ARIZONA – Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

Arizona has needs all over the defense, but their pass rush is sorely lacking difference makers. Chop Robinson needs refinement as an edge rusher, and is undersized for the NFL. He also is one of the most explosive defensive players in this class with a lightning quick first step. Robinson put up elite testing numbers at the Scouting Combine.

28. BUFFALO – Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

Stefon Diggs might be on his way out of Buffalo sooner than later (if you’re buying the whispers), and Gabe Davis is a free agent. Wide receiver was a need even with Davis on the squad, but replacing him should be a top priority. Xavier Worthy is undersized, but is an absolute burner. Worthy set the 40 yard dash record at the Scouting Combine by running a 4.21.

29. DETROIT – Graham Barton, OG, Duke

Pro Bowl guard Jonah Jackson is a free agent, as are guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai and center/guard Graham Glasgow. Graham Barton played tackle in college, but will likely shift inside to guard in the NFL. Barton is experienced (39 career starts in college), and fits Detroit’s culture as a nasty, “knee biting” run blocker.

30. BALTIMORE – Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Baltimore has a bunch of veteran defensive backs heading to free agency, including stud safety Geno Smith, as well as cornerbacks Rock Ya-Sin and Ronald Darby. McKinstry is a big, physical corner who could also play safety for the Ravens. He didn’t work out at the Scouting Combine due to injury, but he excels in press coverage and would be a solid fit in Baltimore.

31. SAN FRANCISCO – Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

Outside of franchise left tackle Trent Williams, and maybe Jon Feliciano, the offensive line badly needs upgrades. Colton McKivitz was one of the worst right tackles in the league, so Jordan Morgan could provide immediate competition. Morgan is one of the better pass blockers in this class, and allowed only two sacks over 12 games this past season.

32. KANSAS CITY – Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

Kansas City might have won the Super Bowl (again), but the offense is in dire need of upgrades at wide receiver. Kadarius Toney has been a bust, Marquez Valdes-Scantling drops too many passes, and Skyy Moore has failed to develop. Rashee Rice had an excellent rookie season, but he needs a running mate. Keon Coleman is big (6’3″, 214 lbs.), and excels in jump ball situations.